Drawing for Domenica delle Palme vitrine (1981-1985)

About this artwork

This drawing relates to a sculpture which is also in the ARTIST ROOMS Collection. It shows the shape of the glass-topped vitrine, which contains palm leaves and blossom lying on a bed of powdered sulphur. Although the sculpture is dated 1981, this drawing is marked '81-85', suggesting it was made after the sculpture rather than being drawn to plan it. The title of the work hints at Beuys's love of Italy, and includes the name of a Christian feast. The year 1985 saw his work included in the exhibition 'Cross + Symbol, Religious Foundations in the work of Joseph Beuys', as well as being the last time an 'environment' was created by Beuys, for an exhibition in Naples.

Joseph Beuys

Joseph Beuys

German artist Beuys believed that art was integral to everyday life. His own art was shaped by an experience early in his life. As a Luftwaffe pilot during the war, Beuys was shot down over the Crimea and was saved by nomadic Tartars. Barely alive, he was wrapped in felt and fat which preserved his body heat, and taken to safety on sledges pulled by dogs. This incident, and these particular elements, informed much of his art, which has a redemptive, mystical and ritualistic character. Central to his work were his 'Actions', which involved teaching, audience discussion and performance. The recurrent themes were social and political. Associated with the ecological movement - he was a founder member of the Green Party - he also had a strong influence on German politics.